2005 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Hyundai Tucson?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Hyundai Tucson than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Sub-frame2.5× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  16.9% All 2005 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  24.2% All 2005 cars

  14.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 4.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  18.8% All 2005 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  14.8% All 2005 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  11.3% All 2005 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2005 Hyundai Tucson MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  26% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Hyundai Tucson

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 Hyundai Tucson as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Hyundai Tucson as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Hyundai Tucson as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?